Wellness

How to Help Our Friends Affected by the California Fires

In the early days of fire season in California, that state has already been ravaged by two fires—some of the worst in history. If you can, please donate to these worthy agencies who are supporting displaced families, animals, and first responders.

Alerts & Resources

With the unpredictable nature of wildfires, knowing proper evacuation protocol for your area is crucial. Be prepared with this evacuation checklist to get you and your loved ones out of danger as safely as possible.

The LAFD is working tirelessly on the ground, and their website is full of of-the-moment information—including the latest evacuation zones and emergency shelters—on all fires within LA County. Follow them on Twitter for alerts and advisories.

A mass notification system to inform LA residents and businesses in times of emergency and disaster. If you’re an LA resident, this is a priceless resource.

Go here for a list of all evacuated areas, road closures, and emergency shelters.

State-Wide Donation Collection

Honor the firefighters putting their lives on the line with a donation to the California Fire Foundation, which provides financial and emotional support to the state’s firefighters, their families, and communities affected by devastating fires.

They’ve set up a disaster relief fund to help low-income communities who may not have the means needed to get back on their feet after the fires.

A predominantly volunteer-run operation, the Red Cross is on the ground accommodating fire-affected residents. The organization is supporting evacuees through short-term shelter and help with basic needs. You can go to the site to donate, call 1.800.RED.CROSS or text REDCROSS to 90999 to automatically donate $10.

Ventura & LA Counties (Hill Fire & Woolsey Fire)

Local budgets go only so far. This fund picks up where they leave off with private donations—with monetary donations, supplies, training, and more. Right now, the firefighters and emergency workers are in need of water packs.

Offering shelter and care to domestic animals escaping the fires. In the long term, the fund also provides emergency-preparedness training and helps reunite owners with displaced pets.

The Humane Society is taking in domestic animals (dogs, cats, horses) and is in need of donations to go toward their immediate care. Donate to their relief efforts online or send animal supplies directly to the ranch.

This state-wide foundation has a specific fund to give grants and donations to forest fire victims, which cover everything from mental health assistant to home reconstruction.

Based out of Chico, this non-profit organizes volunteers to attend to the displaced, including the four-legged. If you happen to be a doctor, nurse, or vet, this is a good place to spend your time. They also accept and need cash donations.